Hot Chocolate Pudding

While making home made pudding recently, it struck me that if might be fun to experiment with making hot chocolate pudding.  No, not temperature hot pudding, but hot chocolate as in a steaming mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows, but in pudding form.  I have to say that I thought the idea was a good one, and out of it came this pudding...which is not bad either.


Home made pudding is not difficult.  In fact, it is not much more difficult or time consuming than opening a box of mix and whisking it with milk.  The result, however, is noticeable and well worth the few extra steps.


Hot Chocolate Pudding


1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 Tablespoons cornstarch
4 envelopes (1 ounce each) hot chocolate mix
3 cups milk
4 egg yolks
1 Tablespoon butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Marshmallows (optional for serving)


In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and hot chocolate mix.  Whisk in the milk.  Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture is thickened and bubbling, continue to cook for two minutes longer.  


Place the egg yolks in a small bowl.  Slowly pour about one cup of the pudding mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.  Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.  Cook and stir constantly as you bring the mixture to a boil.  Reduce heat and cook for two minutes longer.  Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.  


Pour the pudding into a bowl and cover by placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding.  Serve the pudding warm or cold, topped with marshmallows, if desired.  Makes 4 servings.


Enjoy!  -Cardamommy